How can govt give Aakash tablet to a CM, asks Modi

Ahmedabad: The row between Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi over the low-cost Aakash tablet is far from being over.

A day after a news report claimed that the advanced version Aakash II tablets, sent a few days ago to Modi, came back undelivered, the Gujarat CM told a news agency on Thursday that the government has no right to misuse public funds for Aakash Tablet.

In an interview to ANI, Modi quipped that as the government distributed coal to people, in the same way they are distributing these Aakash tablets.

“This scheme (Aakash Tablets) is for youngsters, how can you snatch their right and give a tab to a CM,” asked Modi.

He further said that he won’t be quiet by this `bribe`.

"Kash (If only) this Aakash tablet could land on earth, then the lie (promise of free laptops by state Congress) they (Congress) are spreading now would hold some weight," Modi had said.

Stung by Modi`s remarks on delay in delivery of Aakash tablets, Sibal had sent him the two pieces along with a letter requesting him to keep education away from politics.

Now, the Human Resource Development Ministry is planning to send Aakash tablets to all state chief ministers for their feedback about their efficacy.